First Read: Machines, not people, should be exploring the stars

The following passage (paragraph 6) is told in the tense, from a point of view.

Now, I am not asking whether we should explore the universe. I also dream of the day that we become galactic citizens. The question is whether the initial exploration of space should be done by humans or by robots. I would argue that, for the moment, robotic exploration should have the upper hand.

• A. past, first-person

• B. past, third-person

• C. present, first-person

• D. present, third-person

The passage below (paragraph 6) adds to the development of the author’s argument mainly by .

Now, I am not asking whether we should explore the universe. I also dream of the day that we become galactic citizens. The question is whether the initial exploration of space should be done by humans or by robots. I would argue that, for the moment, robotic exploration should have the upper hand.

• A. suggesting that robotic exploration is worth considering

• B. introducing the idea of global citizenship

• C. claiming that robots are better than humans

• D. explaining that he wants humans to explore the universe

The following passage (paragraphs 7-8) mainly suggests that .

Proponents of the astronaut-preferred camp point, quite rightfully, at the versatility and independence of humans. Fans of human spaceflight are certainly correct when they remind us that humans are highly versatile. People observe the conditions around them and can react to circumstances as needed. However, people are also fragile. They need food, water, and air. They can exist in only a narrow range of temperatures and find inhospitable both vacuums and a radioactive environment. While some adventurers might prefer to remain in space forever, many of them expect to land gently back on Earth. All of these considerations are extremely challenging and not important for robotic missions.

• A. the author is aware of and considers opposition to his position

• B. the author thinks humans are too weak to travel in space

• C. the author thinks robots are not as versatile as humans

• D. the author is not a fan of human spaceflight

Which of the following conclusions is best supported by the passage below (paragraph 16)?

Developing human space-faring technology is crucial, but first we need to decide where to go. The moon is a dead planet and Mars is not nearly as welcoming as the New World was to the Spanish explorers. In fact, there is no place in our solar system where pioneers can simply drop seeds in the soil and wait for food to pop out of the ground. For that, we need to look at distant stars.

• A. Spanish explorers did not encounter any problems in the New World.

• B. There are other planets in the universe where we can plant seeds from Earth.

• C. We are unsure about if Mars ever supported life.

• D. The greatest chance of finding a habitable planet is in another solar system.

Which of these statements best explains the author’s problem with manned space travel?

• A. Manned space travel is too expensive for now.

• B. We should learn more about Earth before we explore space.

• C. Humans are too fragile to travel through space.

• D. It is not important for humans to pursue space exploration.

Which statement from the text most strongly supports the answer to Question 5?

• A. “Manned programs can cost tens or hundreds of times more than the robotic missions.”

• B. “While some adventurers might prefer to remain in space forever, many of them expect to land gently back on Earth.”

• C. “People observe the conditions around them and can react to circumstances as needed.”

• D. “Developing human space-faring technology is crucial, but first we need to decide where to go.”

With which of the following statements would the author most likely agree?

• A. Until we find some other habitable planet, robots are best for space exploration.

• B. Humans do not belong in space.

• C. The Hubble telescope is more important than the Apollo missions.

• D. Robotic space travel can replace manned space travel.

Which statement from the text most strongly supports the answer to Question 7?

• A. “Developing human space-faring technology is crucial, but first we need to decide where to go.”

• B. “The storied Apollo missions included a mere six lunar landings, at an inflation-adjusted cost of $120 billion.”

• C. “Only once a habitable planet is identified by these robotic approaches, will it be the time for a manned mission.”

• D. “In addition, there are methods for exploring the cosmos that don't require actually going to the place under study.”